By Sarah Lyman, owner of Bonafide Pet Nutrition & Counseling.
Whether you recently adopted a new puppy, kitten, adult dog, or cat, it’s important that you set your pet up for success with a healthy diet. This will ensure a strong and vibrant immune system — not to mention general health and well-being. Here are a few essential nutrition tips for pet parents who recently adopted a pet.
What should I feed my cat?
Cats are obligate carnivores. What does this mean exactly? They depend on the nutrients they get from meat. For this reason, the food you provide should be high in animal proteins — not plant-based proteins. This means staying away from food that contains corn, wheat, and soy.
Considering cats descended from desert ancestors and do not have a strong thirst drive, they should be fed a high moisture, canned, fresh homemade or raw diet. This provides them with the adequate moisture their organs, including the kidney and liver, need in order to function properly. Male cats are especially prone to life threatening urethral blockages and urinary tract infections from being fed a processed, dry kibble diet. Many female cats also experience urinary tract infections from being fed a dry kibble diet.
What should I feed my dog?
Dogs are not only scavengers but omnivores. They thrive on a varied diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and animal meats. Whether you choose a commercial fresh food diet or kibble diet, it is important to prioritize one that is:
- High in animal protein
- Minimally processed
- Contains good immune and gut supporting carbohydrates like fresh berries and leafy greens
Variety is important when feeding your pet as you don’t want to continually feed the same protein or brand over and over as this can lead to food sensitivities and diet burnout.
The most important thing when considering what and how to feed your pet? Creating a healthy diet that is sustainable and affordable — whether it be canned, raw, home prepared, or kibble. Just ask an animal nutritionist.
By working with a certified pet nutritionist, you can rest assured that your pets’ health and well-being are top of mind. Proper animal nutrition is the foundation of good health for humans and pets alike. By feeding your dog or cat the most nutritious diet depending on their unique preferences and needs, you will promote a lifetime of health and happiness for your furry family member.
About the Author
Sarah Lyman’s mission is to inform pet parents on how to use food as medicine so pets shine from the inside out. Armed with the necessary tools, they can stop or heal diseases in their tracks, decrease the use of medications, and get off the unhelpful prescription food diets. No pet should need a “prescription” to eat!
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